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Podcast: Using Core Needle Biopsy to Diagnose
Breast Cancer
Debra: From the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, I’m Debra
James with Healthcare 411: Information for better health. Women and their
doctors have options for diagnosing breast cancer. A new report finds a
less-invasive procedure called core needle biopsy works nearly as well as
surgical biopsy and may have fewer risks. Dr. Shilpa Amin:
Dr. Amin: Traditionally, surgical biopsies have been considered the gold
standard for diagnosing breast cancer. They’re performed using either general or
local anesthesia, and are considered safe. But as with all surgeries, there is
some risk. And many of the women who undergo this invasive procedure will end up
not having cancer. So a less invasive procedure, such as the core needle biopsy,
which is usually performed under local anesthesia, may be a good option. Women
should talk with their doctors and then decide on which choice is best for them.
Debra: The new report is available online at
effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov. Healthcare 411 is a production of the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services.
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